Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches Recipe

Introduction

Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches are soft, sweet rolls filled with a creamy, vanilla-flavored filling and topped with a cinnamon crumb. These delicious pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat that brings a touch of Texas charm to your table.

Ingredients

• For the dough:
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted, plus more for brushing dough
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• For the filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the topping:
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is bubbly. If it doesn’t bubble, the yeast may be old and should be replaced.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, melted butter, and egg yolk. Add the yeast mixture and whisk to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the flour 1 cup at a time, stirring between additions until a sticky dough forms.
4. Step 4: Dust a countertop with flour, turn out the dough, and knead for 10 minutes. The dough will remain sticky but should be elastic.
5. Step 5: Grease a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Step 6: After rising, punch down the dough to release air. Roll into a log and cut into 12 equal slices. Shape each slice into a ball and place in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Brush tops with melted butter, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
7. Step 7: Meanwhile, make the filling: Beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Step 8: Create a well in the center of each dough ball by pressing a floured 1/4 cup measuring cup into the dough. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of filling into each well and brush the dough sides with melted butter.
9. Step 9: Prepare the topping by stirring flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons over each kolache.
10. Step 10: Cover the pan and let the kolaches rise for another 1 to 2 hours, until puffy.
11. Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the kolaches for about 30 minutes or until they are golden brown.
12. Step 12: Remove from oven and let cool for 1 hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade kolaches!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a small amount of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling.
• You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier dough.
• Use frozen berries mixed into the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
• Brush the tops with an egg wash instead of butter for a shinier crust.

Storage

Store kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They also freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a low oven or microwave until warmed through for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Bring it to room temperature before proceeding with shaping and filling.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is essential for the classic filling, but you can try ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 kolaches 1x

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Description

Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet pastries filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with a buttery cinnamon crumb topping. These delicious kolaches are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want a comforting baked treat. The dough is enriched and tender thanks to milk, butter, and eggs, while the filling provides a creamy contrast. Baked to a golden perfection, these kolaches will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma and delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted, plus more for brushing dough
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it rest for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes bubbly to ensure it is active.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, whole milk, melted butter, and egg yolk. Add the yeast mixture and whisk to combine thoroughly.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Dust a clean countertop with flour, turn the dough out onto it, and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is sticky but elastic.
5. First Rise: Grease a clean bowl, place the dough inside, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
6. Shape Dough Balls: Punch down the dough to release air, then roll it into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal slices, roll each into a ball, and place them in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Brush the tops with melted butter, cover, and let them rise for 30 minutes.
7. Prepare Filling: While the dough rises, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
8. Fill Kolaches: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup dusted with flour, make a well in the center of each dough ball. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese filling into each well, then brush the sides with melted butter.
9. Make Topping: Combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle a teaspoon or two of this crumb topping over each filled kolache.
10. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the kolaches rise for 1 to 2 hours, allowing them to puff up again before baking.
11. Preheat Oven & Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the kolaches in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
12. Cool and Serve: Remove the kolaches from the oven and allow them to cool for 1 hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delightful Texas Cream Cheese Kolaches!

Notes

• If your yeast does not bubble during activation, it may be old; use fresh yeast for best results.
• Be generous with flour when kneading and shaping dough to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much flour to keep the dough tender.
• Allowing the kolaches to rise twice ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
• Brush the dough sides with melted butter before adding filling to help keep moisture and flavor inside.
• The crumb topping adds a nice texture and cinnamon aroma, but can be omitted if preferred.
• Store leftover kolaches in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Texan, American

Keywords: Texas kolaches, cream cheese kolaches, sweet kolaches, bakery-style kolaches, cinnamon crumb topping, breakfast pastries, soft dough recipes